NH House & Senate Election Law Legislation Action Page
For members of the public wishing to follow legislation on election and democracy issues, Open Democracy Action provides this tool to learn more, follow developments and take action. The NH House & Senate allow for Granite State voters to remotely register support or opposition to pending legislation. While this is NOT a substitute to calling or writing your state rep or senator, it is fast and easy to do and may give the committee a general impression of support for a bill, and the totals become part of the permanent record. This page will change on Fridays during the legislative season, January through June. Scroll down to see what happened the previous week. If you have questions about this process, please contact Sara Lobdell, Program Coordinator, Open Democracy Action Good news! House Election Law has begun calling for the count of remote sign-ins at the end of every hearing. Many of them have been 50-1, 80-1 or even higher margins. Well done, people! AND, the House has implemented a link where you can see WHO and HOW MANY people signed in on bills, and if they submitted written testimony, you can read it! Wow, some innovation out of the General Court for a change!
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NH House Sign in Instructions NH Senate Sign-In Instructions |
Week of April 29 - May 6, 2022
Full House Session: Wednesday, May 4, 2022 @ 10AM and Thursday, May 5, 2022 @ 9AM in Representatives Hall |
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House session complete | Click for details | Comments | |
CALL |
Ought to pass with amendment |
relative to verification of voter affidavits. |
Call your Rep and urge them to OPPOSE SB418 because it: -violates voter privacy -disenfranchises overseas military/overseas citizens -jeopardizes First in the Nation status -could disenfranchise same-day registrants who register for the first-time in NH, if they don't follow up with the Secretary of State with ID within 7 days. If you have a relationship with these key Reps, please contact them and express your opposition. |
CALL |
Ought to pass with amendment #1702h |
relative to the election of district commissioners in Haverhill. Congressional districts amended to this bill. |
Call your Rep to OPPOSE the Congressional districts because they are: -Not competitive -Did not have a public hearing These districts are almost identical in lack of competitiveness to the Congressional districts the Governor originally vowed to veto. |
CALL |
Ought to Pass with amendment |
establishing the personal privacy protection act. Prohibits public agencies and public bodies from releasing any list, record, register, registry, roll, roster or other compilation of data of any kind. |
Call your Rep to OPPOSE SB302 because it: DECREASES transparency in government, in a time when we need more transparency. Makes it more difficult to track Dark money. |
Full Senate Session: Thursday, May 5, 2022 @ 10AM Senate Chamber |
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Senate session complete | Click for details | Comments | |
CALL |
HB144
Ought to pass with amendment
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relative to absentee ballot request forms |
Call your Senator to SUPPORT this bill, as it makes "illness or medical condition" a reason to request an absentee ballot. Adding this as a reason to request an absentee ballot allows access to the vote for folks who might not be able to vote in-person, but who do not qualify to vote under the other currently accepted reasons to request an absentee ballot. |
Week of April 22 - April 29, 2022
House Special Committee on Redistricting, April 27, 2022, 11:00AM - 5:00PM, Legislative Office Building Room 201-203. Executive Session on SB200 (Congressional Districts) |
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Click to EMAIL | Click for details | Comments | ||
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10:00 AM |
OTP with amendment #1702h |
relative to the election of district commissioners in Haverhill. (Congressional districts amended to this bill) |
At the public hearing on Governor Sununu's Congressional districts (4/22) it was made clear the committee intends to amend the Governor's proposal and "make it better." Please email the committee and ask for Congressional districts that are: -Competitive, where there are as equal as possible populations of voters of both major parties so that all voters have an equal shot at electing their candidate -Competitive, so that candidates are accountable to and work in the best interests of all voters -Assure communities are fairly represented -Anything else you'd like to add from previous testimony on what makes a fair map To call attention to your testimony, consider writing in bold purple to highlight that NH is a purple state, and we want a purple map. |
House Finance Committee, Division I, Tuesday April 26, 2022, 1:00PM, Legislative Office Building, Room 212 House Finance Full Committee, Wednesday April 27, 2022, 3:00PM, Legislative Office Building, Room 210-211 Tuesday is the work meeting (not a public hearing) on SB418, Wednesday is the full committee vote. Please email BOTH Division I of the Finance Committee, and the full committee the following concerns related to the fiscal note of SB418. |
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Click to EMAIL Committee | Click for details | Comments | ||
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EMAIL Division IEMAIL Full Committee |
Passed |
relative to verification of voter affidavits.
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The goal is to have the fiscal committee determine that the price paid for SB418 in dollars is too costly to implement the bill. To that end, SB418 will be: -Costly to municipalities in money and staff time implementing the more cumbersome same-day registration packet -Likely more costly than the $685,000 estimate, because the state will need to overestimate the # of pre-paid mailers supplied to each polling place. Overestimation is necessary so polling places don't run out of provisional ballot ID verification packets, which would inhibit folks who need to take the packet from voting if they did run out. -Cost overseas military voters and overseas citizens their vote (which could cost NH money if NH does not follow the federal requirement to mail overseas ballots 45 days before the election, as would not be possible under SB418). |
Governor Sununu - call/email to urge the Governor to commit to vetoing the gerrymandered Senate and Executive Council maps that passed the NH House this week. |
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Click to CALL | Click to CALL/EMAIL | Click for details | Comments | |
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603-271-2121 |
Info on map here |
apportioning state senate districts |
Proposed Senate districts for 2020-2030. -Would guarantee a veto-proof partisan supermajority in the Senate -Prioritized incumbent Senators, rather than communities of interest or competitive districts Overall, a gerrymandered and uncompetitive map that doesn't give voters a fair choice in their Senator. |
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603-271-2121
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Info on map here |
apportioning executive council districts |
Proposed Executive Council districts for 2020-2030. -District 2 packed with Dem leaning towns, making Repub votes matter less. -District 4 packed with Repub leaning towns, making Dem votes matter less. Overall, a gerrymandered and uncompetitive map that doesn't give voters a fair choice in their Executive Councilors. |
Week of April 15 - April 22, 2022
House Special Committee on Redistricting, 10AM-5PM, LOB, Room 201-203, Friday April 22, 2022 | T = Written/In-person testimony needed. | |||
Click the Thumb to sign in | Click for details | Comments | ||
Neutral or ![]() |
10:00 AM |
T(testimony can be in pdf or text form directly on the sign-in page) Oppose: 26 Neutral: 3 Support: 0 |
A Congressional Redistricting Map (the Governor's idea here) is being amended to this bill. relative to the election of district commissioners in Haverhill. |
Testimony could focus on: 1.Competitiveness: this map is better than the map the Governor vowed to veto, but could still do more to make the districts competitive. 2. Deviation: the population deviation between the 2 districts is higher than generally accepted for a Congressional map. The deviation could be lowered by swapping Loudon and Epsom between districts. There will be a visibility 9-10AM outside the LOB. Bring a sign and stand with us for fair maps! |
Full House Session Thursday, April 21st, 2022 starting 9:00AM House Chamber |
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Click to Email | Click to See Details | Comments | ||
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CALL(especially these Reps) |
Amendment here
PASSED 180-154 |
relative to verification of voter affidavits. |
-violates voter privacy -disenfranchises overseas military/overseas citizens -jeopardizes First in the Nation status -if same-day registrants who register for the first-time in NH don't come to the polls with a photo ID, they have to take the provisional ballot. If they don't return ID information to the SOS within 7 days of election, their vote gets deducted. Has the potential to disenfranchises voters who don't have a photo ID and move to NH, and Granite Staters turning 18 who don't have an ID. |
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CALL
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Info on map here PASSED |
apportioning state senate districts. |
Proposed Senate districts for 2020-2030. -Would guarantee a veto-proof partisan supermajority in the Senate -Prioritized incumbent Senators, rather than communities of interest or competitive districts Overall, a gerrymandered and uncompetitive map that doesn't give voters a fair choice in their Senator. |
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CALL
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Info on map here PASSED |
apportioning executive council districts. |
Proposed Executive Council districts for 2020-2030. -District 2 packed with Dem leaning towns, making Repub votes matter less. -District 4 packed with Repub leaning towns, making Dem votes matter less. Overall, a gerrymandered and uncompetitive map that doesn't give voters a fair choice in their Executive Councilors. |
Week of April 8 - April 15, 2022
House Special Committee on Redistricting, 10:00-4:30PM, April 14, 2022, LOB 201-203 | T = Written/In-person testimony needed. Click on the T for testimony tips | |||
Sign in Closed | Click to see details | Comments | ||
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10:00 AM |
TCommittee vote: Ought to Pass 8-7 |
apportioning state senate districts. |
Majority party's Senate redistricting map for 2020-2030. This map would likely guarantee a veto-proof partisan supermajority in the Senate, and needs to be amended so that ALL Granite Staters can have competitive, fair elections for the next decade. Click the "T" to learn how the map affects your community, and email the Committee your testimony: [email protected]
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10:30 AM |
TCommittee vote: Ought to Pass 8-7 |
apportioning executive council districts. | Majority party's Executive Council redistricting map with amendment. This amendment "fixes" gerrymandered District 2 by packing more Democrat-leaning towns into District 2, and more Republican-leaning towns into District 4. The votes of voters in the opposite party in these districts will not be heard in the next decade's elections. Click the "T" to learn how the map affects your community, and
and email the Committee your testimony: [email protected]
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House Election Law Committee, Wednesday, April 13th, 2022 *Executive Session* No sign-ins. Please send the Committee an email to support SB425 and oppose SB418. |
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Executive Session Complete | Click to see details | Comments | ||
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Committee vote: 11-9 Ought to Pass with amendment |
relative to verification of voter affidavits. | creates a provisional ballot system where ballots will be deducted from the count if certain voters fail to certify their identity post-election. Will cast more doubt on elections that are already safe and secure, will disenfranchise the UOCAVA overseas military vote, and may cause NH to lose FITN status. TALKING POINTS | |
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Committee vote: 11-9 Inexpedient to Legislate |
relative to the establishment of an election information portal. | Will modernize NH's elections and make it easier for folks to submit information to the clerk to register to vote, and change information (like address, party, etc) in their voter file. |
Week of April 1 - April 8, 2022
House Election Law, 10:00-1:00PM, April 8, 2022, LOB 306-308 | T = Written/In-person testimony needed. Click on the T for testimony tips | |||
Sign in CLOSED | Click to see details | Comments | ||
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10:00 AM |
Support: 3 Oppose: 16 |
relative to political expenditures and contributions. |
Relaxes current campaign finance regulations by allowing candidate committees, non-candidate political committees and political advocacy organizations unlimited contributions to the same. Allows persons or corporations unlimited contributions to political advocacy organizations. |
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10:30 AM |
Support: 60 Oppose: 4 |
relative to the establishment of an election information portal. |
This is a priority bill for ODA that modernizes NH's elections and makes the voting registration process easier for voters. An election information portal would allow voters to easily and electronically input information into a system for town/city clerks approval. Voters could input registration info, change voter registration, request an absentee ballot, and change mailing or domicile addresses. |
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11:00 AM |
TSupport: 86 Oppose: 868
Talking points the same for the amended bill, EXCEPT that same-day registrants are NOT required to take a provisional ballot, unless they are registering for the first time in NH. |
relative to verification of voter affidavits. | creates a provisional ballot system where ballots will be deducted from the count if voters who come to the polls without photo ID fails to provide adequate documentation proving identity and domicile within 10 days. Will cast more doubt on elections that are already safe and secure, will disenfranchise the UOCAVA overseas military vote, and may cause NH to lose FITN status. |
Week of March 25 - April 1, 2022
NH Senate Session, March 31st, 10AM, Senate Chamber *Floor Vote* No Sign in. See guidance below. |
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Click to see details | Comments | |||
13-11 passed, will next be heard in the House |
(Talking points the same for the amended bill, EXCEPT that same-day registrants are NOT required to take a provisional ballot) |
relative to verification of voter affidavits |
SB418 was amended and passed in committee. The amendment removes same-day voters from the group of people required to take a provisional ballot, but that does not go far enough to change this bill's potential to disenfranchise. Our next opportunity to stop this bill is at the full Senate vote this Thursday. Please call your NH Senator to oppose this BAD bill. See talking points for full details. It is a Big Lie bill intended to do an end-run around New Hampshire's Qualified Voter Affidavit system, which NH chose to do to accept Help America Vote Act (HAVA) fund. It creates a system of provisional ballots of a different identifying color which will be deducted from the count if the voter fails to return with adequate documentation proving identity and domicile. |
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Passed, will next be heard in the House
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SB425 | relative to the establishment of an election information portal |
This is a priority bill for ODA that modernizes NH's elections and makes the voting registration process easier for voters. An election information portal would allow voters to easily and electronically input information into a system for town/city clerks approval. Voters could input registration info, change voter registration, request an absentee ballot, and change mailing or domicile addresses. |
Week of March 18 - March 25, 2022
NH Senate Session, March 24th, 9AM-1PM, Senate Chamber *Floor Vote* No Sign in. See guidance below. |
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Click to see Details | Comments | |||
special ordered to next week, vote will be next week |
(Talking points the same for the amended bill, EXCEPT that same-day registrants are NOT required to take a provisional ballot) |
relative to verification of voter affidavits |
SB418 was amended and passed in committee. The amendment removes same-day voters from the group of people required to take a provisional ballot, but that does not go far enough to change this bill's potential to disenfranchise. Our next opportunity to stop this bill is at the full Senate vote this Thursday. Please call your NH Senator to oppose this BAD bill. See talking points for full details. It is a Big Lie bill intended to do an end-run around New Hampshire's Qualified Voter Affidavit system, which NH chose to do to accept Help America Vote Act (HAVA) fund. It creates a system of provisional ballots of a different identifying color which will be deducted from the count if the voter fails to return with adequate documentation proving identity and domicile. |
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Passed (12-10) with amendment 1188s |
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apportioning executive council districts |
SB241 unamended is the Executive Council redistricting map that is identical to NH's current redistricting map (with the "Dragon" District 2). Sen. Gray released an amendment that will be taken up Thursday on the floor. While District 2 no longer stretches from river to sea, the amendment does not change that the district is full of Democrat leaning towns. Further, there has been no public hearing on this bill; no chance for the public to weigh in on changes. Call your Senator to oppose SB241 and ANY amendments that are not competitive and have not been given a public hearing. |
Week of March 11 - March 18, 2022
Full NH Senate Session, March 17th 9AM, Senate Chamber *Floor Vote* No Sign in on these bills. Please call your NH Senator and urge them to amend these maps so they are competitive, not gerrymandered. |
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Session over CALL |
HB52 |
apportioning congressional districts. Senate passed 13-11 |
This is the House's approved bill, which rigs CD1 & CD2 to both be uncompetitive. CD2 gets packed with Democratic-leaning towns, while CD1 is packed with Republican-leaning towns, breaking a 140-year tradition. The Princeton Gerrymandering Project, the ACLU and NH's Map-a-Thon project all have determined that the map is uncompetitive and gerrymandered. | |
CALL |
SB241 |
apportioning executive council districts |
This is the Majority's proposed EC districts, that are the same as the 2010 gerrymandered districts. These districts include the "Dragon" district 2 that spans the state and is packed with Democrat-leaning towns, leaving the other districts more Republican-leaning. |
Full NH House Session, March 15-17th, House Chamber *Floor Vote* No Sign in. See guidance on each bill below. |
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Session over Call |
HB1203 | relative to domicile residency, voter registration, and investigation of voter verification letters, and relative to the terms "resident," "inhabitant," "residence," and "residency." |
Please call your NH Representative and urge them to "Table" this bill. This is a good bill, that got stuck with a BAD amendment. We are opposing the bill as amended, which has the potential to make voting burdensome for folks who move frequently/have moved recently. It also includes language similar to language that was struck down by the NH Supreme Court in the SB3 case. |
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Call |
Laid on Table |
establishing ranked-choice voting for state party primary elections and municipal elections. |
Please call your NH Representative and urge them to pass/support this bill. |
NH Senate Election Law, March 14th, 2022 *Executive Session* No Sign in. Please call Chairman Gray to vote "Interim Study" on SB418. An amendment was brought forth to clarify some language on this bill, but it's too little too late. The entire premise of this bill has negative consequences for voting rights and should be opposed. We're asking the committee to "study" the bill, with the hope that it will die in study and not be re-introduced. |
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Executive Session Over CALL |
Hearing results: Support: 82 Oppose: 177 Neutral: 0 OTP with amendment |
relative to verification of voter affidavits | This is a Big Lie bill intended to do an end-run around New Hampshire's Qualified Voter Affidavit system, which NH chose to do to accept Help America Vote Act (HAVA) fund. It creates a system of provisional ballots of a different identifying color which will be deducted from the count if the voter fails to return with adequate documentation proving identity and domicile. This bill adversely affects students and the poor, resulting in disenfranchisement. ODA strongly opposes this bill. |
Week of March 4 - March 11, 2022
NH House Election Law, March 9th, 2022 *Executive Session Bills Below* No Sign in on these bills, but we encourage you to call/email the Committee to oppose these bills and vote "Inexpedient to Legislate." |
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Executive Session Complete |
HB1473-FN (interim study) HB 1064-FN (ITL) HB 1485-FN (ITL) HB 1542-FN (ITL) HB 1543-FN (ITL) CACR 15 (OTP with amendment 11-9) HB 1567-FN (OTP with amendment 12 - 8) |
Call/Email |
One email for all bills is fine. These are all Big Lie bills we have opposed in the past. Scroll down for more details on each bill if needed, they are all described further down the page. Many of these bills propose a solution where no problem exists, so your call/email might include the sentiment that "if it ain't broke...don't fix it." Or, why spend taxpayer money on sham election reviews, when our election has already been certified? Or a message based in voting rights, that ALL votes and all voices matter, elections are already secure and fair, no need to make it more complicated for the public to vote. |
Senate Election Law, 1-4PM, March 7, 2022, State House, Room 100 |
T= Written/In-Person Testimony Needed Click on the T for testimony tips |
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Sign in CLOSED | Click to see details | Comments | ||
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1:00 PM |
Support: 6 Oppose: 95 Neutral: 0 |
relative to the definition of electioneering. | Repeals the prohibition on electioneering related to clothing and/or paraphernalia for non-election officials. |
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1:15 PM |
HB144
Support: 151 Oppose: 9
Neutral: 0
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relative to absentee ballot request forms. | A bill that expands storm-related reasons for requesting an absentee ballot, and modernizes language around domicile location. |
Week of February 25 - March 4, 2022
No Hearings in NH Senate or House Election Law.
Week of February 18 - February 25, 2022
Week of February 11 - February 18, 2022
House Floor Vote - Not a Hearing |
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NH House, February 16, 2022 |
Click on "Call" to find your Representative's number, and "Talking Points" for information to share with your Rep. |
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Sign in CLOSED for this bill. | Click to see details | Comments/Results | ||
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Call |
relative to campaign contributions and expenditures, and making an appropriation therefor. |
Priority Bill: One of Granny D's signature reforms, ODA's Honest Elections public funding of elections bill will not only reduce the influence of special interests, it will help candidates without big money funding to compete. It distributes four $25 Voter Dollars certificates to registered voters to donate to the gubernatorial or Executive Council candidates of their choice. This bill is being voted on by the full NH House on Wednesday, Feb 16th. Please call your NH House Rep urging them to support this bill. |
Senate Election Law & Municipal Affairs, February 14, 2022, 1:00 - 4:00PM, State House, Room 100 |
T= Written/In-Person Testimony Needed Click on the T for testimony tips! |
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Sign in CLOSED for these bills | Click to see details | Comments/Results | ||
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1:00 PM |
TSupport: 69 Oppose: 2 Committee rec: Interim Study |
relative to political contributions made by limited liability companies | An important bill for campaign finance reform that closes the LLC loophole, which currently lets business owners make multiple campaign contributions to a single candidate beyond the current contribution limit of $15,000. SB248 closes this loophole by requiring political contributions be allocated to per LLC's members, rather than per LLC itself, for purposes of determining whether contribution limits have been exceeded. |
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1:15 PM |
Support: 11 Oppose: 28 |
relative to political expenditures and contributions. |
Defines the limit on political contributions made by a person, corporation, candidate committee, non-candidate political committee, or political advocacy organization. However, wording is confusing as relates to contributions by partnerships and unions - are these contributions prohibited? Or prohibited only in excess of the defined limits? We are asking you to oppose this bill until we have more information/clarity on the bill's writing. |
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1:30 PM |
Support: 61 Oppose: 1 OTP with amendment |
relative to absentee ballot outer envelopes. | Removes the requirement that absentee ballots be placed in outer envelopes, unless returned by mail to town or city clerk. Allows clerks to open outer envelopes of absentee ballots marked "not registered" to look at registration paperwork and notify voter so that voter may correct paperwork if paperwork is incomplete within 7 days of receiving ballot. |
Week of February 5 - February 11, 2022
*Executive Session* - No Testimony Taken |
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Senate Election Law & Municipal Affairs Committee, February 7, 2022, 1 - 4PM, State House, Room 100 |
T = Written/In-Person Testimony Needed | |||
Sign in for this bill's hearing is now CLOSED |
Click to see details |
Comments / Results | ||
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apportioning state representative districts. | We *think* this bill, the NH house district maps, will be voted on in committee on Monday. Click on the "Email" link to send a final email to the committee members before their executive session, urging them to oppose these gerrymandered maps. |
Week of January 28 - February 4, 2022
NH Senate Election Law & Municipal Affairs, Jan. 31, 2022, 1 pm - 4 pm ***Representatives Hall*** 2nd Floor, State House |
T = Written/In-Person Testimony Needed | |||
Sign in is now closed |
Click to see details | Comments / Results | ||
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1:00 PM |
OTP with Amendment (3-2) Senate Laid on Table |
residency for the purpose of voting. Providing that only residents of the state may vote in elections. | This proposed NH Constitutional amendment adds these two sentences: "All elections are to be free, and every person who is a citizen of the United States and a citizen of the state of New Hampshire, and 18 years of age and upwards shall have an equal right to vote in any election. Every person shall be considered a citizen of the state of New Hampshire for the purposes of voting in town, ward, or unincorporated place where that person is domiciled and has primary residency." Sounds innocuous enough, but the definition of "primary residency" may be another effort to keep college students legally domiciled in NH from voting. |
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1:20 PM |
Interim study (3-2) |
establishing redistricting criteria. | Currently there is limited constitutional or statute criteria for redistricting, which allows legislators to gerrymander for partisan advantage. This bill defines -- only for the NH House and Senate districts, "communities of interest" as similarities of interests, including but not limited to racial, ethnic, economic, social, cultural, geographic, or historic identities. Communities of interest shall not include common relationships with political parties or political candidates," and prohibits "unduly favoring or disfavoring any political party, incumbent, or candidate for office." ODA supports this bill, but urges the Senate to include the Executive Council in this statute. |
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1:45 PM |
THearing: Support: 5 Oppose: 376 Committee Vote: Ought to Pass with Amendment #0560s Full Senate: Passed 14-10 House Concurs |
apportioning state representative districts. | The majority's proposal passed the House with few changes. We oppose this bill because it gerrymanders some districts for partisan gain, but more importantly denies 56 towns their NH Constitution-guaranteed dedicated House seats, when the Map-a-Thon proved that number could be substantially lower. An amendment has been proposed which includes changes to Coos County & Hillsborough County. |
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1:45 PM |
THearing: Support 5 Oppose 547 Committee vote: OTP without amendment
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apportioning congressional districts. | This is the House's approved bill, which rigs CD1 & CD2 to both be uncompetitive. CD2 gets packed with Democratic-leaning towns, while CD1 is packed with Republican-leaning towns, breaking a 140-year tradition. The Princeton Gerrymandering Project, the ACLU and NH's Map-a-Thon project all have determined that the map is uncompetitive and gerrymandered. ODA strongly opposes this bill. Amendments are expected to this bill, but have not yet been posted. |
Week of January 21 - Jan 28, 2022
NH Senate Election Law & Municipal Affairs, Jan. 26, 1-4 pm, State House, Rm 100
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T = Written/In-Person Testimony Needed | |||
Sign in is now CLOSED for bills below |
Click to see details | Comments / Results | ||
Neutral | 1:45 PM |
Support: 1 Oppose: 0 Committee Vote: OTP (3-2) |
apportioning county commissioner districts. |
This is the state's voting district map of county commissioner seats. Neither ODA nor the Map-a-Thon Project has taken a position on these maps. |
Neutral | 1:45 PM |
Support: 5 Oppose: 0 Committee Vote: OTP (3-2) Amended By Senate House Concurs |
apportioning delegates to state party conventions. | This map apportions political party delegates who will attend state conventions of the parties. There was some question in the House Special Committee as to why this was even a function of the state legislature. Neither ODA nor the Map-a-Thon Project has taken a position on this map. |
NH House
No House Election Law this week.
Week of January 17 - 23, 2022
NEW HAMPSHIRE HOUSE
House Election Law, January 19, 2022, LOB, Rm 306-308 | T = Written/In-Person Testimony Needed | |||
Sign in is now CLOSED for bills below |
Click to see details | Comments / Results | ||
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9:45 AM |
Hearing Support: 54 Oppose: 2 Neutral: 0 Inexpedient to Legislate
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relative to political contributions made by certain business entities. |
This amend RSA 664:4 to ban political contributions by any person or business entity that has received any grant from the state of New Hampshire in the last 2 years. |
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10:00 AM |
Hearing Support: 69 Oppose: 3 Neutral: 0 |
relative to permissible campaign contributions by business organizations and labor unions. |
ODA's "Corporate Ban" bill, which keeps business entities from using money our the corporation's treasury as campaign contributions. Instead, they must use segregated funds for such activities, such as individual contributions by employees held in one fund. |
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10:30 AM |
Hearing Support: 63 Oppose: 2 Neutral: 0 |
relative to the reporting of certain campaign contributions and relative to political contributions made by limited liability companies. |
Amends RSA 664 to insert LLCs into the requirements that "any political committee, political advocacy organization, or candidate that makes a contribution to any other committee, organization, or candidate of over $1,000 that is comprised of funds received from donations, contributions, dues, or gifts from a different entity shall include the total amount and source of such funds in any report required to be submitted pursuant to this chapter." LLCs are a source of Dark Money because it is difficult to trace back ownership of the LLC. |
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10:45 AM |
Hearing TSupport: 95 Oppose: 8 Neutral: 0
inexpedient to legislate (ITL) |
relative to campaign contributions and expenditures, and making an appropriation therefor. |
Priority Bill: One of Granny D's signature reforms, ODA's Honest Elections public funding of elections bill will not only reduce the influence of special interests, it will help candidates without big money funding to compete. It distributes four $25 Voter Dollars certificates to registered voters to donate to the gubernatorial or Executive Council candidates of their choice. Written testimony encouraged by Tuesday night for distribution Wednesday, January 19. |
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11:00 AM |
Hearing Support: 13 Oppose: 140 Neutral: 1 ITL |
relative to documentation required to prove a voter's eligibility to vote. | This Big Lie bill attempts to make voters who do not have/own a state identification to fill out a "provisional" ballot, which would NOT BE COUNTED unless the voter returns the same day. This could disenfranchise the poor, the elderly, young voters, disabled and other voters for who do not have or can't afford a state ID at a cost of $50. |
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1:30 PM |
Hearing Support: 126 Oppose: 6 Neutral: 0 ITL |
relative to access to election and voter information. | This bill allows, and sets costs for, the distribution of voter checklist information in multiple languages. Reportedly, the bill will be amended to include voter registration information in multiple languages for cities where compliance with the Voting Rights Act thresholds are met. |
NH Senate
Week of January 10 - 16, 2022
NEW HAMPSHIRE HOUSE
NH SENATE
2021 NH House Special Committee on Redistricting "Public Listening Sessions"
The NH House Special Committee on Redistricting and NH Senate Redistricting Committee will conduct "public listening sessions" in each NH county during September & October 2021. As someone who is concerned about how a fair, nonpartisan and transparent redistricting process affects your representation in Concord and in Washington, we need you to attend and speak up for a fair process.
We demand a fair, nonpartisan & transparent redistricting process
As we understand it, these meetings will be in-person and will NOT have an interactive Zoom option for remote testimony. They will likely NOT have a YouTube live option as has been the case with Legislative Office Building meetings in Concord, further limiting transparency.
Given the COVID situation, we understand that not all volunteers are comfortable being inside for the meeting, so we have other outdoor and stay-at-home options. That said, we are trying to mobilize as many in-the-room attendees as possible. Through incompetence or intention, there has been an effort to limit the public input into the redistricting process which must be overcome to assure fair maps.
Please follow the links to RSVP for one or more meeting. After RSVPing, you'll be taken to a page where you'll be able to choose HOW you want to participate: Sit inside (from any county); Sit inside and testify in person (from this county); Help explain the maps at inside/outside table; Stay outside and hold signs; Stay outside with clipboard; Stay at home and help make turnout phone calls; Stay at home and submit written testimony.
- See the YouTube Video- Oct 5 2021 6:00PM - Rockingham County, County Superior Courthouse, 10 RT 125, Brentwood,NH 03833
- See the YouTube Video- Oct 7 2021 6:00PM - Coos County, County Superior Court, 55 School Street, Suite 301, Lancaster, NH 03584
- See the YouTube Video - Oct 12 2021 6:00PM - Cheshire County, County Hall, Room: Delegation Hall, 12 Court St, Keene, NH 04341
- See the YouTube Video - Oct 13 2021 6:00PM - Sullivan County, Claremont Savings Bank Community Center-Room B, 152 South Street, Claremont, NH 03743
- See the YouTube Video - Oct 14 2021 6:00PM - Carroll County, Kennett High School, 409 Eagles Way, North Conway, NH 03860
- RSVP - Oct. 18 2021 6:00PM - Hillsborough County, Goffstown High School, - Theater, 27 Wallace Rd, Goffstown, NH 03045
- RSVP - Oct 19 20201 6 pm - Belknap County, Belknap Mill in Laconia, 25 Beacon St E # 1, Laconia, NH 03246
Submit Testimony Electronically
Whether you are going in person, or just submitting in writing, please submit your written testimony to BOTH committees:
Go here to submit testimony to the NH House Special Committee on Redistricting via email
Go here to submit testimony to the NH Senate Redistricting Committee
Open Democracy Action will make 20 copies of your testimony and will deliver it to the Hillsborough & Belknap County hearings. Please send to our administrator Doreen by Monday, Oct. 18 by noon.
See others' testimony on our Google drive. Please don't copy and paste, but use it for inspiration!
For the People Act Action Page
What Can One Person Do to Get the Freedom to Vote passed?
We're often asked what can one person do to protect the freedom to vote, get money out of politics, or make sure our voting districts aren't gerrymandered. A lot, actually! The founder of our organization, Doris "Granny D" Haddock, walked across the United States when she was 89 years old and is credited with getting the McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform bill passed!
Coming up for votes this fall is the Freedom to Vote Act, a democracy reform bill which includes the most significant democracy protections since the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Among the provisions, as detailed at Common Cause's website:
- Modernize Voter Registration
- Restore the Voting Rights Act
- Restore Voting Rights to People with Prior Convictions
- Strengthen Mail Voting Systems
- Institute Nationwide Early Voting
- Preventing Unreasonable Wait Times at the Polls
- Protect Against Deceptive Practices
So, what can you do to help get the Freedom to Vote Act passed?
Here are some actions we've prepared to make it easy for you to do a simple yet powerful action. Several of these were developed for our Open Democracy Teams, but you need not be a team member to do them. Do as many as you have time for, AND share this page with your politically-active family and friends. Our object right now is to mobilize as many people as possible to contact their U.S. Senator by phone, letter, postcard or email. PHONE is most important!
Action # |
Action | Objective / For Whom is the Action Intended? | Information You Need | Sample | Deadline for Completion |
1 |
Call Sen. HassanPhone call to U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (or your senator, if not from NH) to tell her you support the For the People Act |
Anti-Freedom to Vote Act dark money groups are mobilizing calls to Sen. Hassan because she's up for reelection. We need to phone in our support for Freedom to Vote Act, and tell your story as to why the bill is important to you. |
888-453-3211 (Senate Switchboard - ask for the Senator's office)Senator Maggie Hassan's NH Office, 603-622-2204
|
Sample Script |
June 22 |
2 |
Call Sen. Hassan - FilibusterPhone call to U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (or your senator, if not from NH) to tell her to either modify or get rid of the filibuster |
Sen. Hassan needs to hear from voters about getting rid of the filibuster, which requires 60 votes to end, but may be open to changing it to allow this bill. |
888-453-3211 (Senate Switchboard - ask for the Senator's office)Senator Maggie Hassan's NH Office, 603-622-2204 |
Sample Phone Script |
June 22 |
3 |
Call Sen. ShaheenPhone call to U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (or your senator, if not from NH) |
Sen. Shaheen supports the Freedom to Vote Act, but needs to be persuaded to become a CHAMPION of the bill and convince her colleagues. |
888-453-3211 (Senate Switchboard - ask for the Senator's office)Senator Shaheen's NH Office, 603-647-7500 |
Sample Script |
June 22 |
4 |
Call Sen. Shaheen - FilibusterPhone call to U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (or your senator, if not from NH) to tell her to either modify or get rid of the filibuster |
Sen. Shaheen has expressed a willingness to change or get rid of the filibuster in the past. |
888-453-3211 (Senate Switchboard - ask for the Senator's office)Senator Shaheen's NH Office, 603-647-7500 |
Sample Script |
June 22 |
5 |
Share the Action Page w/Sympathetic FolksShare this Freedom to Vote Action page by email with 5 or more friends to get them to take action |
We need as many different folks to call as possible. Someday, bad actors will come for YOUR vote, too! |
https://www.opendemocracyaction.org/forthepeopleactaction |
Sample Social Media Copy & GraphicWe want you as part of the team to help us pass the #HR1 / #S1 #ForthePeopleAct. We have a dozen of simple actions you can take to help make this happen.https://www.opendemocracyaction.org/for_the_people_act_action_page |
June 20 |
6 |
Phone Banking TuesdaysHelp Us Make Calls to NH Voters during our phone bank on Tuesday nights 6-8 pm. |
This type of phone banking uses your computer and microphone, and an autodialer, to make the calls. You'll be calling liberals and independents who are likely supporters of HR1/S1 to get them to call Senator Hassan's office. You will be connecting the voter to the office with a button push. |
Sign up to help and pick your dates:https://www.mobilize.us/endcitizensunited/event/393474/This is with our partners End Citizens United and 603 Forward. |
Scripts are built in to the program.Training will be provided at the beginning of the evening. |
June 14, June 21 |
7 |
Sign/Share PetitionSign the petition letter to Sens. Hassan & Shaheen & SHARE in your social media channels |
To be successful, this petition needs you to SHARE the link on social media. |
https://www.opendemocracynh.org/nhforthepeopleact
|
Just go to the page and sign it. You'll receive an email in response to SHARE. You'll also be given a chance to share via social media. |
June 22 |
8 |
Texting TeamHelp us text voters to call Sens. Hassan and Shaheen |
We're teaming up with a national partner, Movement Labs, to do some automated texting. For folks who don't like phone banking, this is another way to help generate calls to the Senators. This system uses your computer to send the texts and receive the replies. |
Contact Brian Beihl to volunteer |
1) Contact Brian and tell him you'd like to help 2) RSVP at the ODA website: https://www.opendemocracyaction.org/2021_textbank 3) Take the 10 min. training |
Between Friday, June 18 and Tuesday, June 22.
|
9 |
Yard SignsMake a sign for your yard, and for your neighbors & family |
Get your neighbors to call your Senators |
Sample Signs |
ASAP | |
10 |
Do an EventHold an Event in Your Town
|
The goal is to get others in your town to call the Senator's offices. |
Signs should have phone number for Senators. You don't need to coordinate with us, but we would like to support you by getting the word out if we can.Also, if possible, get people to call while they're at the event. |
ASAP | |
11 |
Share on SocialShare our For the People Act graphic in your social media channels |
Get others to call their U.S. Senators to support S. 1 and get rid or change the filibuster to get it done. |
Patriotic Americans want to see their freedom to vote protected, equal access for all voters, keep billionaires from buying our elections, and ethics reforms to keep our politicians working for us. That's why smart voters support the For the People Act, and are calling their U.S Senators at 888-453-3211 to tell them to do what it takes to get it passed. |
More graphics will be added to our facebook page. | |
12 |
Write an LTEASAP, Write letters to the editor urging others to call their Senators |
Let's flood the local papers with requests for people to support the For the People Act - Please read the samples with stats of how both Republican & Democratic voters support the bill. |
The NH Sierra Club has a great tool with the email addresses and specs for LTEs for the larger NH papers. https://www.sierraclub.org/new-hampshire/how-submit-letter-editor-lte-new-hampshire |
Samples - go ahead and write one if you're ready
|
ASAP |
13 |
Join a TeamJoin a NH-based Open Democracy Team
|
Our six teams educate you, so you can take action and educate others. Like this action page, we have a team action page that is updated with prepared activities each week so you can take smart, targeted actions. |
https://www.opendemocracyaction.org/regional_democracy_teams |
Teams meet weekly or biweekly. | |
14 |
Make a SelfieMake a video, distribute it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter |
Urge your friends to call their Senators. Make sure to give the number, 888-453-3211 |
You can use your phone, computer or tablet to record. No titling or graphics are necessary. |
Sample script for your videoSample video https://youtu.be/cU1RyUfk-Ko
|
ASAP |
15 |
Share the For the People Song |
This video was made by some members of our North Country Open Democracy Team. It's fun and helps explain the big points of the bill. Copy & paste the post at right, and the graphic for the video will pop into Facebook. |
|
Copy & Paste:Check out this song about about the For the People Act, written and performed by Granite Staters. The #S1 #ForthePeopleAct comes up for a vote soon, so call your U.S. Senator now, 888-453-3211, and please SHARE! https://youtu.be/tk-esT6o8eA |
ASAP |
Sign up
Open Democracy Action's Action of the Week
Action of the Week - A Simple But Powerful Action You Can Take
Questions / Comments / Corrections, contact Brian Beihl, Deputy Director
- Updated May 18, 2021 -
This week's Action:
Wednesday, May 19, at 9:30, NH Election Law hears testimony on a surprise, non-germane amendment to SB 89. This amendment tries to prevent the use of election rules in the federal H.R. 1 / S. 1 For the People Act for state and county elections.
Given the refusal of the NH Legislature to pass sensible bills which allow every voter to be heard, we think that the provisions of H.R. 1 / S. 1 For the People Act are huge steps forward, and support the implementation nationally and here in NH.
Here is your action:
Please sign in to oppose this SB 89 amendment via the House Calendar! http://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/remotetestimony/default.aspx
- Select “Wed. May 19th”
- Select “House Election law”
- Select “SB 89 amendment 2021-1445h ”
- Select “I oppose this bill”
- Then complete the address information
If you want to speak against the amendment: Under testimony, select “Testimony is for non-germane amendment.”
9:30 a.m. SB 89 Amendment Public Hearing on non-germane amendment #2021-1445h to SB 89.. The amendment adds a part VI to the bill which would not allow NH to follow the For the People Act rules, if it passes, for county or state elections. A similar amendment was defeated in Texas last week, suggesting that this may be a coordinated national effort to neutralize H.R. 1 / S. 1. Should it pass, Open Democracy Action would oppose SB 89. The NH Senate would have to “concur” on SB 89 after such an amendment. Open Democracy Action opposes this amendment
Thank you for taking this simple action!
Brian Beihl, Deputy Director, Open Democracy Action
If you did this action and want to do more, consider joining an Open Democracy Team. Our six regional teams are briefed each week for an hour and given 1-3 actions each week, but with more learning and strategy involved. Actions include writing letters to legislators, letters to the editor, working with your local election officials on issues, calling your state reps and senators, and fun actions like this signs, walks, parades and festivals. You can choose your level of commitment, but you'll be a smarter, more engaged, more powerful citizen as a result! Check it out
Absentee Ballot Request Social Media Materials
New Hampshire friends:
Tens of thousands of NH voters may be concerned enough about COVID-19 to NOT go to the polls this fall. We're counting on your action to help the vote safely, protecting them, their families and our poll workers.
- The grid below has graphics and messages for you to use:
- A Facebook graphic and post text
- A Facebook profile picture to use, which folks will see every time you post
- An Instagram graphic and post text
- An email to send to your friends and family, or to groups to which you belong
- A Twitter post and graphic
- A poster for you to print out, or to order preprinted from us.
Thank you for this act of kindness to your fellow NH citizens, because no one should have to choose between their health and their right to vote!
Facebook Post (Right click and save graphic, cut & paste text) Suggested text:[Please SHARE & Save Lives!]
|
Email (Right click and save graphic, cut & paste text) Suggested text:Hi, Friends:I'm writing to friends in New Hampshire that if they have COVID-19 concerns, and don't wish to vote in person, they can request an absentee ballot. Do it ASAP.
Open Democraacy has created a guide to help you at https://www.opendemocracynh.org/absentee Fill out your application completely, marking "COVID-19" as your excuse, then sign -- in ink-- the application's affidavit.
Thanks, stay safe, and please let me know if you have questions. |
Instagram Post (Right click and save graphic, cut & paste text) Suggested text:[Please SHARE & Save Lives!]New rules in NH allow voters concerned with COVID-19 to vote by absentee ballot. Follow this link http://www.OpenDemocracyNH.org/absentee for more info and find links to download your application. Keep poll workers and fellow voters SAFE and SHARE this post with you friends!
30-Second Video PSA in MP4 (works with Facebook, Twitter View & right click to save the file: http://www.beihl.org/OpenDemocracy/absenteeballot/NHAbsenteeBallotRequestRunUntil20201031.mp4
|
Facebook Profile Picture (Right click and save graphic) If you're able, replace your Facebook profile picture with the "Ask Me About Absentee" profile button. We've already heard this is working! |
Twitter Post (Right click and save graphic, cut & paste text) Suggested text:[Please SHARE & Save Lives!]New rules in NH allow voters concerned with COVID-19 to vote by absentee ballot. Follow this link http://www.OpenDemocracyNH.org/absentee for more info and find links to download your application. Keep poll workers and fellow voters SAFE. |
Printable Poster This poster can be printed 8-1/2 x 11 or 11x17 at home for distribution on community bulletin boards. Or, if you would like us to send printed copies, we're happy to make some for you. Contact Doreen to order copies. |
NH Democracy Report
The New Hampshire Democracy Report is a weekly letter sharing updates on democracy reform bills as they pass through the New Hampshire State House.
Here are our recent newsletters:
2021
June 4, 2021 NH Democracy Report
May 24, 2021 NH Demcracy Report
May 17, 2021 NH Democracy Report
May 10, 2021 NH Democracy Report
May 3, 2021 NH Democracy Report
April 26, 2021 NH Democracy Report
April 18, 2021 NH Democracy Report
No report April 12
April 5, 2021 NH Democracy Report
March 28, 2021 NH Democracy Report
March 21, 2021 NH Democracy Report
March 14, 2021 NH Democracy Report
March 7, 2021 NH Democracy Report
March 1, 2021 NH Democracy Report
February 22, 2021 NH Democracy Report
February 14, 2021 NH Democracy Report
February 7, 2021 NH Democracy Report
January 31, 2021 NH Democracy Report
January 24, 2021 NH Democracy Report
January 18, 2021 NH Democracy Report
2020
March 2, 2020 New Hampshire Democracy Report
Feb. 10, 2020 New Hampshire Democracy Report
Feb. 2, 2020 New Hampshire Democracy Report
Campaign Finance Corruption Chorus
We're combining two of our favorite actvities: Singing and Social Action!
Announcing the 2020 Campaign Finance Corruption Chorus, sponsored by Open Democracy Action. Our mission will be to sing "Corruption Carols" at campaign events in the last few weeks of the 2020 New Hampshire Primary, as well as carolling around Manchester where the national and international press hangs out.
This will be a relaxed and FUN group with a humorous yet powerful message. We're still working out the attire, but thinking we'll have matching warm hats and maybe scarves which will be provided to our singers.
RSVP your interest by filling out the form below. We're hoping to have our first rehearsal shortly.
Thank you and hope to hear you soon!
Deputy Director, Open Democracy Action
603-620-8300
Sign upAbout Open Democracy Teams
Open Democracy Action's Regional Democracy Teams (RDTs) are a collaborative of Granite Staters taking weekly steps to make the promise of democracy real for all. Since inception in 2019, the RDTs have collectively taken thousands of actions to protect the freedom to vote, limit the influence of wealthy special interest groups, and ensure everyone has an equal say in government.
"Democracy isn't something we HAVE, it's something we DO." - Doris "Granny D" Haddock
The RDTs are open to all, whether or not you have experience "doing" democracy or are joining the cause for the first time. In the spirit of our founder Doris "Granny D" Haddock, who at 89 years old walked across the United States for campaign finance reform, the RDTs are a testament to the power of everyday people to make change.
Go to the Regional Teams sign-up page
Photo credit: Ann Ravel
Calls/letters to local and state elected officials
Marches
Testifying at public hearings on legislation
Letters to the editor
Holding signs locally and at the State House for bills or causes
Educating the public, through movies, plays, tabling at events, monthly book club, etc
Social media campaigns
Birddogging elected officials
Performances by the "Corruption Chorus"
Street theater performances
Building relationships with pro-democracy organizations
and more!
No matter your skill-set, there is a way you can get involved!
Time to Take Action!
Join a Regional Democracy Team
New Hampshire Democracy Report: update: June 14, 2019
House Concurs with Senate on Amendment for HB 706 Nonpartisan Redistricting Bill; Goes to Governor
Establishment of a nonpartisan redistricting commission moved a step closer with a bipartisan 208-137
division vote on HB 706 in the House on Thursday, it's last stop in the legislature.
That's with a total of 345 votes cast, and a 60% to 40% margin, short of the 66% that would be needed to override a veto from the governor. It is still unclear whether the governor will sign or veto the bill. Many representatives were absent from the vote.
In May, a bipartisan compromise was reached to assure passage in the Senate and make the bill more palatable to Republicans. Thursday's division vote does not record who cast the ballot for the concurrence vote, but it had originally passed the house in a 218-123 bipartisan vote, 64% to 36%.
Write or Call the Governor
Open Democracy Action has been urging voters to write to Governor Sununu to encourage him to sign the bill. Continued letters and calls to the governor, and letters to the editor to local papers are needed to convince him that the New Hampshire voters want fair voting districts, and it's in the best interest for both parties and for the State. Please do it soon!
Mail: (We recommend a personal letter)
Office of the Governor, State House, 107 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301
Phone:
(603) 271-2121; (603) 271-7680 (fax)
Email:
Email the Governor's opinion email
LEGISLATION WE'RE WATCHING THIS TERM
For updates and descriptions of the other important democracy legislation this session, click on the links below.
Public funding
Redistricting and ending gerrymandering
Campaign reform
Money in politics
Questions? Want to Help?
Olivia Zink: [email protected]; (603) 661-8621 (cell)
Rick Bourdon: [email protected]; (603) 795-2818; (603) 759-1888 (cell)
Brian Beihl: [email protected] (603) 620-8300 (cell)